Highlights of China

Hangzhou and Shanghai

Lying on the estuary of the Yangtze River, Shanghai is a modern and bustling city, the center of China’s trade and industry. European-style architecture, traditional Chinese buildings and sleek modern developments all co-exist in this cosmopolitan metropolis, and the center of China’s trade and industry.

Shanghai is one of China's most astonishing and evocative cities that's brimming with gleaming high rise buildings, luxury hotels, European style mansions and high class restaurants. These all brilliantly co-exist in what is China's most cosmopolitan city; it's arguably China's cultural nexus and is well worth a few days visit. The French Concession area has quiet, colonial parks and neighborhoods with tree lined streets, while the Pudong Financial District has the Oriental Pearl Tower and soaring skyscrapers. Take a stroll along the Huangpu river to admire the colonial architecture of the Bund, and watch the locals flying kites and playing Mah Jong. There's so much to fill your time and we highly recommend including our unique guided experiences to make the most of this inspiring city.

A few hours from Shanghai you'll find Hangzhou, that feels a world away from the bright lights of Shanghai. West Lake sits at its center; encircled by flower laded gardens that are interspersed with pagodas, tiny bridges and temples, the area feels truly oriental and has been the inspiration for poets and artists over many centuries. It can get busy as Chinese people also like to come here on their vacations, so avoid weekends if you can.